CITTA 16th Annual Conference on Planning Research

Fostering City Transitions

29th November 2024 (plus guided tour on the 30th)

Welcome to the 2024 CITTA International Conference on Planning Research, dedicated this year to the theme "Fostering City Transitions." This event offers a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and policymakers from various fields to engage in critical discussions about the future of urban areas. The conference will take place in Porto, a city celebrated for its rich history and vibrant cultural tapestry. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto provides a picturesque backdrop along the Douro River, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore a remarkable city as part of the conference experience.

Hosted by CITTA – The Research Centre for Territory, Transports and Environment, the conference aims to advance urban and transport planning, governance, and engineering. Through interactive sessions, participants will develop actionable ideas to guide urban transitions towards sustainability, justice, and economic prosperity. The conference is structured around four main sessions, as presented below.

We look forward to welcoming you to this conference!

Session 1: Fostering City Transitions Towards Sustainable and Community-Driven Environments

Organisers: Sofia Valente and Franklin Gaspar (email: sofiavalente@fe.up.pt)

This session will explore innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to create cities that are not only sustainable but also shaped by and for their communities. Dive into discussions that bridge theory and practice, empowering urban spaces to thrive harmoniously with environmental and social needs.

Session 2: Fostering City Transitions Towards Transformative Governance for Socio-Spatial Justice

Organisers: Luísa Batista and Jorge Afonso (email: lbatista@fe.up.pt)

This session will explore how transformative governance can be leveraged to address inequalities and ensure justice in both growing and shrinking cities. Engage with ideas and practices to reshape urban governance to meet the needs and aspirations of diverse communities, including housing-related ones. Presentations focusing on integrating housing solutions within broader urban challenges are especially welcomed.

Session 3: Fostering City Transitions Towards Sustainable Transport

Organiser: António Lobo (email: lobo@fe.up.pt)

This session will explore how cities can advance sustainable transportation systems and mobility practices that enhance the quality of urban life. We will explore strategies for promoting mobility that is both environmentally friendly and accessible, contributing to the overall sustainability of urban environments. Moreover, this session will centre on enhancing urban transportation systems and technologies to be both safer and more efficient, a crucial challenge for improving the quality of life in urban areas. Engage with innovative approaches and ground-breaking technological solutions that address the challenges of modern urban transport, ensuring it supports the needs of all city residents.

Session 4: Fostering City Transitions Towards Social Inclusion and Spatial Integration

Organiser: Vinicius Netto (email: vmnetto@fe.up.pt)

This session will explore how urban design, sustainable transport, and inclusive policies can synergise to promote social inclusion and spatial integration. We will explore strategic development in urban governance, urban morphology, and mobility practices and technologies, focusing on achieving social and spatial justice. Join us to discuss how more equitable and accessible urban environments can be co-created beyond disciplinary divides. Contributions from diverse fields that foster these goals are warmly welcomed.